The biggest fall was in Queensland with 46 branches closed. But it was the almost halving of the Rural Bank network that had the biggest single impact.

ANZ was the only one of the majors to close outlets with its network falling from 794 to 784 branches. Most of the closures were in Queensland.

Commonwealth Bank's network rose by 132 branches to 1158.

But Westpac has the biggest footprint nationally with 1273 branches - boosted by the rollout of the Bank of Melbourne.

Australian Bankers' Association chief executive Steven Munchenberg said the rise in ATM, telephone and internet banking meant the branch network fell for the first time in 11 years.

"Since the height of the global financial crisis in late 2008, banks have added 221 branches," he said.

"But the branch is just one of many ways that banks are offering their products and services to their customers. Our banks are effectively open 24/7 offering accessibility wherever you are, at a time which suits you. Customers can get cash at midnight, pay bills from the laptop in the lounge room and check balances when they're away from home."